Australian koalas to be declared vulnerable

Australia's iconic marsupial the koala will be listed as a "vulnerable species" in Queensland state.

Residential and resource development has destroyed many habitats, and the state government has accepted a recommendation by an independent panel of scientists increase the conservation status of the koala.

Its numbers have dropped by 80 percent in recent years.

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that Queensland's animal emblem is too precious not to act.

"This means that now the government will work very closely with the councils, with local government agencies to make sure that we are mapping, and doing everything we can to protect the koala," she said.

"The koala is an iconic species that faces many threats including climate change, habitat reduction, disease, motor vehicle strike and attacks by dogs." Endi